The Student Council is a representative structure which plays a very important role in the College.

Representatives:

Attend meetings once a fortnight

Share students’ ideas, interests and concerns with teachers and the principal

Work in partnership with College management and staff

Help raise funds for school wide projects

Take on leadership roles at special events

Serve as role models to other students.

Restorative Practices

Ōtorohanga College has adopted the philosophy of Restorative Practices in the way in which it seeks to work with all members of the College community. The College is committed to developing caring and respectful relationships within and to teaching young people to be responsible, empathetic and self-directed citizens. The Restorative Practices approach is reflected in our pastoral care and Student Management policies. It guides the College’s response to managing student behaviour and adds to the classroom management strategies used by teachers.

Restorative Practices is a way of viewing wrongdoing that focuses on the harm this causes to people and to relationships and the obligation to repair that harm. It is a way for students to develop better understanding of and empathy with others.

Sports Committee Representatives

The College also has two student representatives on the College Sports Committee. This is made up of a number of parents, staff and the sports coordinator and the Council’s role is to support the College in many aspects of students in sport.

What Are Restorative Practices?

Restorative Practices refers to the ways classrooms work in promoting genuine relationships which result in better behaviour and learning at school. It also refers to the way in which young people are asked to think about, and take responsibility for, their behaviour and its effects on others. This approach endeavours to build a caring community around students whilst not accepting harmful behaviour. When wrongdoing occurs, the restorative approach involves all those affected to find a way forward.

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How Is Wrongdoing Resolved Using Restorative Practices?

The parties involved agree that a conflict or argument has taken place and agree to repair the harm or damage done. All those involved have a chance to give their point of view and say how things can be fixed in the future. In this way, an agreement is reached - it still may involve specific consequences or discipline procedures, depending on the circumstances. Importantly, relationships are healed wherever possible and any contributing problems are identified for follow up.

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Restorative Mini Conversation

During a Restorative Mini Conversation, a student or teacher can address issues that are causing concern.

Out of normal classroom time

One teacher

One student

Immediate intervention

Three Restorative Mini Conversations results in a Restorative Conversation.

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Restorative Conversation

A Restorative Conversation is a structured meeting. During the discussion between the student and the teacher, the opportunity to hear each other's perspective, repair the harm and reconnect takes place.

In designated room

One teacher

One student

Three Restorative Conversations results in family being contacted.

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How Can Parents Help?

Encourage your children to see situations from the other person's point of view and expect them to treat others respectfully, as well as be treated respectfully themselves. Help your children to communicate their thoughts and feelings and learn to listen to those of others. Encourage them to support others through friendship and to contribute to the well-being of the whole group by their behaviour.

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Click on the following to view our procedure documents for restorative practise: